SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Germinal center”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

238 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Effect of Music on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction During Intrauterine Device Application: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the effect of music played during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion on perceived pain, state anxiety, and satisfaction levels. The study was conducted with 70 women who applied to a maternal and child health and family planning center and were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using simple randomization. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), as well as Bluetooth speakers and the musical piece Evgeny Grinko-Valse. Participants in the intervention group listened to music before and during the IUD insertion procedure, whereas the control group received routine care only. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Women in the music group had significantly lower perceived pain (p < 0.001) and state anxiety levels during the procedure (p = 0.022), and significantly higher satisfaction levels compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, post-procedure state anxiety levels were positively correlated with pain intensity experienced during and after the procedure (r = 0.542 and r = 0.496, respectively; p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with procedural satisfaction (r = -0.652; p < 0.001). These findings suggest that listening to music during IUD insertion may help reduce pain and anxiety while potentially enhancing patient satisfaction. Trial Registration: NCT06215183.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The future of precision oncology and artificial intelligence in Belgium: scenarios and policy responses.

PURPOSE: Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, enables the provision of tailored health services to patients. In the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancers, precision medicine is highly promising, given the increasing use of genomic profiling for diagnosis and adapting therapies in several tumor types. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support this process by analyzing vast amounts of relevant data. However, high-quality data and financial investments in the health system are essential for the implementation of precision medicine and AI solutions in routine cancer care. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Building on the quantitative outcomes of a foresight exercise published in another study, this article collects qualitative data to gain more detailed insights into the future of precision oncology in Belgium and discusses the role of AI in this field. It reports the results of a series of expert workshops, focusing on four hypothetical future scenarios that are centered around technological and economic issues that must be overcome for the widespread use of precision oncology in Belgium. FINDINGS: The study concludes that all four scenarios discussed in the workshops would require supportive policy measures in Belgium, which should go beyond mere technological and economic considerations, such as involving patient associations and the public in policy design or creating multi-disciplinary expert groups for precision medicine. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to employ foresight methodology to illustrate possible future scenarios, scrutinize feasible approaches for implementing precision oncology in Belgium, and discuss the use of AI in this context.

Belgium↗

PubMed2026

Not just when, but how: An exploratory dual-control approach to video feedback in motor learning.

The present study provides exploratory evidence for a novel dual-control paradigm. It examines whether combining temporal over video feedback timing with learner-controlled interactive playback functions (pause, slow-motion, rewind) would enhance motor skill acquisition beyond temporal autonomy alone. Sixty-four novice adults were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: Full Control (self-controlled timing + interactive replay), Partial Control (self-controlled timing + non-interactive replay), Yoked Full Control (externally controlled timing + interactive replay), or Yoked Partial Control (externally controlled timing + non-interactive replay). Motor accuracy (Radial Error), movement consistency (Bivariate Variable Error), technical execution, and self-efficacy were assessed at pre-test, 24-h retention, and 72-h retention following two acquisition sessions on a dart-throwing task (120 trials total). The Full Control group demonstrated the greatest and most durable learning gains across all outcomes. The Group × Time interaction was significant across all dependent variables (η2ₚ ranging from 0.140 to 0.234), with Full Control demonstrating superior retention at both 24 and 72 h relative to other groups (though differences relative to Partial Control were more pronounced at 72-h retention). Critically, the Yoked Full Control group showed comparatively weaker outcomes despite access to the same interactive playback functions. These findings suggest that interactive video tools may be most useful when learners can regulate both when feedback is accessed and how it is inspected. Theoretical and practical implications for the design of learner-centered video feedback systems are discussed.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Neighborhood Deprivation and Screening Mammography Utilization: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Access to screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality disparities. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a validated measure of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage linked to adverse health outcomes. There is limited data evaluating mammography utilization among patients residing in areas of higher deprivation. This study evaluated the association between ADI and screening mammography utilization within an accountable care organization (ACO) affiliated with a multicenter academic medical center in the Upper Midwest. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included women aged 40-85 years attributed to the ACO in 2022, based on Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality criteria. The primary outcome was receipt of screening mammography within two years. The primary exposure was ADI, analyzed by decile (ordinal) and as low (deciles 1-5) versus high (deciles 6-10) deprivation. The logistic regression models evaluated associations between ADI and screening, unadjusted and adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, and preferred language. RESULTS: Among 7463 participants with geographic data, 74.4% completed screening. Screening rates were 75.7% in low-deprivation areas versus 66.2% in high-deprivation areas. Increasing ADI decile was associated with reduced screening in unadjusted (OR 0.891, 95% CI 0.87-0.91, p<0.001) and adjusted analyses (OR 0.897, 95% CI 0.88-0.92, p<0.001). Black participants (OR 0.444, p<0.001) and individuals preferring non-English languages (OR 0.333, p<0.001) had lower screening odds after adjustment. CONCLUSION: Higher neighborhood deprivation is independently associated with lower screening mammography utilization. Targeted, equity-focused interventions addressing neighborhood, racial, and language-related barriers are needed to reduce screening disparities.

Area deprivation Index↗

PubMed2026

Evaluating Patient Satisfaction and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14): A Multicenter Crossover Study Comparing Selective Pressure Impression Conventional Dentures with Mucostatic Digital Dentures.

PURPOSE: To compare patient satisfaction and oral health impact between individuals receiving complete dentures made by digital methods and those using conventional techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized crossover clinical trial, 23 patients aged 40 years and older with completely edentulous arches were enrolled at three treatment centers. Each participant received two sets of complete dentures: one set created using conventional methods (selective pressure impression) and the other through digital techniques (mucostatic digital impression). The order of denture placement was randomized, with each set used for 4 weeks. A trained specialist administered treatments alongside research tools, including a general information questionnaire, a denture satisfaction survey, and the OHIP-14 interview tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Participants with digital dentures reported significantly higher satisfaction regarding treatment duration, comfort, confidence, chewing ability, esthetics, and overall satisfaction compared to those with conventional dentures. There were no significant differences in satisfaction concerning speech and pronunciation. Overall, the oral health impact on quality of life was similar between denture types, but participants indicated improved quality of life while using dentures compared to being edentulous. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with digital dentures exhibited greater satisfaction across various domains compared to those with conventional dentures, despite similar satisfaction levels in speech and pronunciation. The impact on quality of life was comparable between both types, as measured by the OHIP-14.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Meaning in Life in Palliative Cancer Care: Psychosocial and Existential Outcomes-A Systematic Review.

BackgroundExistential distress, marked by hopelessness, loss of meaning, and spiritual suffering, is prevalent among patients with advanced illness, and is associated with psychological burden and a wish to hasten death (WTHD).PurposeThis systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on meaning in life (MIL) in adult palliative care (PC) populations, focusing on its associations with quality of life (QOL), mental health, existential and spiritual well-being (SWB), and WTHD.MethodsMEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies (English, 2016-2024) involving adult cancer patients receiving PC. MIL was examined as a central intervention component or outcome. Risk of bias was assessed: findings were synthesized narratively. The review was registered in PROSPERO.ResultsEight studies (n = 1733 participants) were included: four cross-sectional, two randomized controlled trials, one longitudinal observational study, and one qualitative study. Several studies had small samples and substantial attrition. Risk of bias was high (n = 7), and moderate in one cross-sectional study. MIL was inversely associated with depression, anxiety, demoralization, and WTHD; and positively associated with QOL and SWB. MIL may also mediate psychological outcomes (eg, purpose, coherence, and personal values). However, heterogeneity in MIL conceptualization and measurement, combined with low methodological quality, limited comparability and certainty of findings.ConclusionMIL may be relevant to psychosocial/existential outcomes in PC. Conclusions are constrained by a small and methodologically weak evidence base. Further high-quality, longitudinal research is needed before MIL-centered interventions can be recommended for routine clinical practice.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Analyzing the impact of subcutaneous injection needle, device, and administration characteristics on patient pain, anxiety, and safety: a systematic literature review.

The subcutaneous (SC) injection route is a commonly used and important method for therapeutic delivery of a wide range of compounds, and needle characteristics have a significant influence on patient pain, anxiety, safety, and other outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on how needle-specific characteristics (e.g. gauge, length, tip design, wall thickness, concealment) and administration- or device-related factors can affect patient-reported outcomes and clinical safety indicators during and following SC injections. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov in June 2024. Studies were included if they assessed the relationship between needle characteristics and pain, anxiety, safety, or related outcomes in individuals receiving SC injections. A dual-reviewer process was used for study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Sixty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Evidence consistently indicated that thinner and shorter needles reduced patient-reported pain and adverse events such as bruising and bleeding. Tapered and lubricated needles, hidden or retractable needle designs, and use of autoinjectors or prefilled syringes also contributed to reduced anxiety and improved user satisfaction. However, results were heterogeneous, and many studies lacked sufficient power or single-variable evaluation of individual needle parameters, limiting definitive conclusions. Needle characteristics significantly influence patient experience and safety with SC delivery. While both clinical evidence and practical experience clearly favor thinner, shorter, and concealed needles, further standardized, high-quality research is needed to isolate and quantify the specific contributions of individual needle characteristics to optimize injection practices and support patient-centered device design.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

UV-based homogeneous disinfection process for removal of antibiotic resistance genes: Efficiency, mechanisms and influencing factors.

The proliferation and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments pose a serious threat to global public health. Ultraviolet-driven homogeneous advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs) represent a prospective suite of technologies for the efficient removal of ARGs. This review critically assesses recent advances in the application of UV-AOPs, specifically UV/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2), UV/peracetic acid (UV/PAA), UV/persulfate (UV/PS), and UV/chlorine (UV/Cl), for the elimination of extracellular ARGs and intracellular ARGs. The underlying mechanisms involve direct ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, including pyrimidine dimer formation and strand breakage, as well as oxidation mediated by radicals such as hydroxyl radicals, sulfate radicals, carbon-centered radicals, and reactive chlorine species. The relative contribution of radical and non-radical pathways is strongly influenced by water chemistry and process conditions. We further expound on the critical operational and environmental factors governing ARG removal kinetics, including UV wavelength and fluence, oxidant type and dosage, ARG sequence characteristics, pH, ubiquitous anions, and dissolved organic matter, which collectively affect radical generation, quenching, and reaction microenvironments. Notably, for i-ARGs, UV-AOPs facilitate degradation not only through direct radical attack but also by disrupting cellular integrity and permeabilizing membranes, thereby enhancing the exposure of genetic materials to oxidative and photolytic damage. This review synthesizes current understanding to provide a mechanistic basis for the design and optimization of UV-AOP systems, highlighting their potential as effective barriers against the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in water reuse and purification scenarios.

Disinfection↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and ultrasound (US) are widely used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but comparative efficacy data remain scarce. This study compared HILT and US as exercise adjuncts in patients with KOA. METHODS: In this single-center, assessor-blinded RCT, 66 adults with KOA were randomized 1:1 to HILT or US twice weekly for 6 weeks as exercise adjuncts. The primary outcome was WOMAC total score change from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment (minimum important change [MIC] = 10 points, applied as an approximation). Secondary outcomes included VAS, OKS, KOOS, and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: In ITT analysis (N = 66), the HILT group achieved a mean WOMAC reduction of 40.0 vs 8.2 points (adjusted between-group difference: -27.7 points, 95% CI: - 39.0 to - 16.5; p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.277). At 12 weeks post-treatment, greater improvements across all secondary outcomes were observed in exploratory analyses (p ≤ 0.012). Furthermore, HILT maintained therapeutic effects up to 12 weeks post-treatment, whereas the US group experienced a gradual loss of post-treatment gains. CONCLUSION: HILT combined with exercise produced greater short-term improvements in WOMAC total score than US in patients with KOA, with exploratory findings suggesting consistent benefits in pain, function, and quality of life, and with benefits maintained up to 12 weeks after the last treatment session.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Journey Mapping of the Patient Experience from Diagnosis to End of Life in Lung Cancer: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to systematically synthesize the lived experiences and journey narratives of lung cancer patients across disease stages, and identify key tasks and pain points during the disease course through patient journey mapping, providing evidence for comprehensive disease management throughout the patient journey. METHODS: Ten databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed, were systematically searched, with a search period from database inception to August 15, 2025. The JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies was used to evaluate the quality of studies, and the results were integrated using a meta-aggregative approach. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. Based on the patient journey mapping, the lung cancer patient journey comprises four potential stages: evaluation and diagnosis, initial treatment, maintenance therapy, and end-of-life. A total of 30 themes emerged within three dimensions: tasks, emotions, and pain points. Each dimension of each stage consists of 2-3 themes. CONCLUSION: The journey of lung cancer patients is protracted and complex, characterized by stage-specific needs and challenges. Future management strategies should be tailored to these distinct phases, providing precision supportive care to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients' quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This Patient Journey Map integrates routine clinical pathways with patients' lived experiences across each stage, revealing stage-specific challenges and providing targets for tailored nursing interventions. The framework promotes multidisciplinary, digitally enabled supportive care and indicates the importance of including patients' social circles to enhance patient-centered outcomes.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Genetic Diversity of BK Polyomavirus Among Renal Transplant Recipients in Yunnan, China.

BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection, a common complication following kidney transplantation, can lead to BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVN). Molecular genetic studies have classified BKV into four genotypes (I-IV); however, comprehensive molecular characterization of BKV strains circulating in China remains limited. This study aimed to elucidate the predominant subtypes and clinical infection characteristics of BKV strains among kidney transplant recipients in Yunnan, a province in southwestern China. PCR-amplified BKV DNA sequences from kidney transplant recipients were aligned with reference strains and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The viral VP1 gene was successfully amplified from 180 participants, spanning 16 ethnic groups. Genotype I was the predominant viral strain (56.66%, 102/180), followed by genotype IV (43.33%, 78/180), while genotypes II and III were not detected. Among genotypic subtypes, IVc-1 was most prevalent (40.0%, 72/180), followed by Ic (38.3%, 69/180) and Ib-1 (18.3%, 33/180). IVa-1 and IVa-2 were rare, identified in only 0.6% (n = 1) and 2.2% (n = 4) of cases, respectively. No significant differences in sex, age, BKVN incidence, BK viremia, or viruria were observed between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. Among the five confirmed BKVN cases, two were genotyped as subtype Ic, one as Ib-1, and two as IVc-1. Clinical phenotypes were also comparable between patients with BKV-I and BKV-IV infections. This study represents the largest single-center sequencing analysis of BKV in kidney transplant recipients in China, offering a valuable genomic resource for future research.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Systematic review of machine learning approaches for predicting sickle cell crisis and mortality risk at the climate-health nexus.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a severe genetic blood disorder characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive crises and increased mortality, with the greatest burden occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Climatic and environmental conditions, including temperature variability, humidity, rainfall, air pollution, and seasonal changes, have been associated with disease exacerbation. However, the extent to which these factors have been incorporated into predictive models remains unclear. This study systematically reviews the application of machine learning (ML) models for predicting SCA crises and mortality in relation to climate and environmental factors. METHODOLOGY: The PRISMA guidelines were used, and 34 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2026 were analyzed to identify the climate variables, ML approaches employed, and predictive performance. The reviewed studies applied a range of ML techniques, including artificial neural networks, random forests, support vector machines, decision trees, logistic regression, and deep learning models. Temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, air quality indicators, and seasonal patterns were the most frequently examined environmental variables. RESULTS: The findings indicate that most existing models rely predominantly on clinical and demographic data, with limited integration of climate information and inadequate representation of high-burden regions, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies incorporating environmental variables reported improved predictive performance and highlighted the potential of climate-informed early warning systems for SCA management. CONCLUSION: The review recommends development of interdisciplinary, climate-aware ML frameworks, expansion of longitudinal environmental datasets, and increased research in underrepresented regions to support climate-resilient and patient-centered SCA care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Quantification of appetite-regulating hormones in children with hypothalamic and common obesity.

CONTEXT: The pathophysiology of hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) remains incompletely understood with no effective treatments. OBJECTIVE: We examined differences in appetite-regulating hormone concentrations between patients with HyOb, common obesity, and lean controls. DESIGN: Multiway cross-sectional case-control study of patients aged 2 through 19 years. SETTING: Two tertiary pediatric endocrinology centers. PATIENTS: Cases were obese (body mass index [BMI] > +2 SD score [SDS], "HyOb") and lean ("HyLean") patients with congenital (septo-optic dysplasia) or acquired (suprasellar brain tumor) hypothalamic disorders. Controls had common obesity ("Ob") or nonhypothalamic disorders and normal BMI ("Lean"). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relationships between the Dykens' Hyperphagia Questionnaire Score (DHQS), plasma or serum concentrations of leptin, insulin, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, oxytocin, acylated ghrelin, agouti-related peptide and copeptin, and BMI SDS. RESULTS: Dykens' Hyperphagia Questionnaire Score did not differ between HyOb and Ob patients (24 [17-34] vs 24 [18-31]) but correlated with BMI SDS in patients with hypothalamic disorders (P = 0.02). HyOb and Ob patients exhibited similarly increased anorexigens (insulin, leptin) and decreased orexigens (ghrelin, agouti-related peptide) compared to HyLean and Lean patients. The rate of BMI increase was independently associated with lower αMSH (β = -0.23 [-0.36 to -0.11], P = .0007) and ghrelin (β=-0.004 [-0.01 to 0.00], P = .001) concentrations, suggesting that αMSH replacement may be a therapeutic target for HyOb. HyLean patients demonstrated intermediate insulin responses to glucose compared to other subcohorts. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, patients with HyOb appeared indistinguishable from Ob in terms of their appetite and appetite-regulating neuroendocrine circuitry. Higher αMSH concentrations are associated with reduced weight gain and may be a target for therapeutic intervention.

alpha-MSH↗

PubMed2026

Non-coding RNAs and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is responsible for 70% of dementia cases worldwide, with tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid-β plaque accumulation representing its core pathological hallmarks. Genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation contribute to disease onset and progression. Non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs) are a class of RNAs which control gene expression and whose dysregulation in AD patients has been linked to amyloid production, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which ranges from impaired energy metabolism to disrupted mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Our descriptive systematic review surveyed the involvement of ncRNAs in mitochondrial dysfunction in AD across experimental and clinical literature. We identified multiple microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) that directly regulate mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial autophagic, and apoptotic pathways, mitochondrial dynamics, and protein import mechanisms in AD models. Among the most important candidates demonstrating clinical dysregulation, miR-140 and lncRNA NEAT1 regulate mitophagy, while miR-9, miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-485 are implicated in mitochondrial biogenesis and miR-204 in mitochondrial autophagy. LncRNA BDNF-AS, miR-148a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-103a-3p emerged as regulators of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway with confirmed clinical dysregulation. Multiple ncRNAs control mitochondrial dynamics, of which miR-195, miR-124, and miR-455-3p have also been studied in AD patients. Additionally, several ncRNAs were found to indirectly regulate mitochondrial fission, autophagy, and apoptosis, although the underlying mechanisms require further characterization. Thus, while ncRNA-centered AD research is in its early stages, current mechanistic and translational evidence supports mitochondrially relevant ncRNAs as promising candidates for biomarker and therapeutic development.

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2026

Music therapy in artificial insemination by husband: Effects on psychological distress and clinical pregnancy rate.

BACKGROUND: Infertility treatment can be psychologically burdensome. Evidence on music listening during artificial insemination by husband (AIH) remains limited. We evaluated whether a standardized periprocedural music intervention reduced psychological distress and explored its association with clinical pregnancy. METHODS: In this single-center, open-label randomized trial, 254 women undergoing AIH were allocated 1:1 to routine care or routine care plus two 30-minute music-listening sessions, immediately before and after AIH. The prespecified primary outcome was the continuous 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) score at follow-up; clinical pregnancy was secondary. DASS-21 was completed at baseline and at day 35 after AIH. Clinical pregnancy was assessed by ultrasonography at days 30 to 35. RESULTS: Continuous DASS-21 anxiety, depression, and stress scores did not differ between groups after adjustment for baseline scores (all P ≥ .868). Absolute postintervention differences were 0.01 point or less for anxiety and depression and 0.08 point for stress, indicating neither statistical nor clinically meaningful improvement. Clinical pregnancy occurred in 34/127 participants (26.77%) in the intervention group and 14/127 (11.02%) in the control group (exploratory secondary outcome; P = .001). CONCLUSION: The intervention did not improve the primary psychological outcome. The higher clinical pregnancy rate is hypothesis-generating because the trial was not powered for pregnancy, the proposed psychological mechanism was not demonstrated, and nonspecific attention and other unmeasured factors cannot be excluded. Replication using an attention-matched control, immediate state-anxiety and physiological measures, participant-preference assessment, and live-birth follow-up is required.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

The application of artificial intelligence in healthcare practice: A mapping review of systematic reviews.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare practice, with growing evidence supporting its use in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, and operational decision-making. The proliferation of systematic reviews in recent years underscores the need for an updated synthesis of the literature to inform research, policy, and practice. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and CINAHL for systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and February 2026. Eligible reviews focused on AI applications in healthcare practice, were peer-reviewed, and written in English. A total of 368 reviews met the inclusion criteria. Publication volume increased steadily, peaking in 2025. AI research was concentrated in high-density domains, such as radiology, oncology, and critical care. Across reviews, diagnostic imaging, electronic health record (EHR) data, and biomarkers/laboratory results accounted for 68% of training data sources, though newer data types, such as wearable device and sensor data, emerged from 2022 onward. Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment comprised over 80% of AI applications, with novel uses emerging in recent years, such as AI-assisted clinical documentation (e.g., ambient documentation tools) and patient education. Ethical concerns were reported in 78.5% of reviews, with privacy, model accuracy, data and algorithmic bias, and explainability as recurrent themes. The proportion of reviews reporting ethical concerns increased from 2021 to 2025. AI applications in healthcare are expanding in scope, diversifying in data sources, and evolving toward novel clinical and operational uses. The human-centered AI or augmented intelligence paradigm, integrating computational precision with clinical expertise, holds significant promise but will require parallel advances in governance, regulatory frameworks, and ethical oversight to ensure safe adoption.

Artificial Intelligence↗

PubMed2026

Molecular Diagnostics for WHO Priority Bacterial Pathogens: A Bibliometric Mapping of Diagnostic Platforms, Resistance Markers, and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Trends.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constrains effective treatment and carries implications for infection control, surveillance, and public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) priority bacterial pathogen framework has intensified the need for diagnostic innovation by redefining research priorities around organisms combining high disease burden with complex resistance profiles. Molecular diagnostics have accordingly moved beyond culture-based workflows, integrating rapid pathogen identification, resistance-marker detection, genomic surveillance, and clinical decision support. The present study conducted a bibliometric mapping of the literature on WHO priority pathogens. Rather than addressing resistance at a general level or a single pathogen or technology, it integrates priority pathogens, molecular platforms, and resistance markers within a single framework, tracing their joint thematic and temporal evolution along an explicit pathogen-platform-marker axis. Scopus-indexed articles and reviews (2000-2025) were retrieved, yielding 1746 publications after screening adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Analyses used Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny, R, and VOSviewer. The literature expanded markedly after 2018, led by China and the United States. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Enterococcus faecium, and the Enterobacterales-carbapenemase axis constituted the principal thematic cores, whereas conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and whole-genome sequencing were the dominant platforms. Overall, the field has evolved from pathogen detection into an AMR-centered translational domain encompassing resistance prediction, genomic epidemiology, surveillance, and clinical decision support. Diagnostic development, stewardship, and surveillance depend on hybrid workflows coupling rapid marker-targeted assays with genome-based characterization, delivering actionable resistance within clinically meaningful timeframes, and extending coverage to underrepresented pathogens and platforms.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

A Systematic Review of Help-Seeking Barriers for Racial-Ethnic Minority Caregivers Accessing Autism Diagnostic and Intervention Services.

Caregivers play an essential role in early help-seeking and intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Caregivers, therefore, provide a crucial role in helping to address the racial and ethnic disparity identified in accessing ASD intervention and diagnostic services (Bejarano-Martín et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 50(9), 3380-3394, 2020). Unfortunately, racial-ethnic minority caregivers of children with autism (CCA) are less likely to contact a physician or healthcare professionals about their concerns and more likely to delay their contact to have their child evaluated (Zeleke et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 49(10), 4320-4331, 2019). However, little evidence exists to explain why such a gap exists in the help-seeking behaviors between White and racial-ethnic minority CCA. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify articles that have studied barriers in help-seeking for racial-ethnic minority CCA. A broad literature search across four databases was conducted (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, Education Resources Information Center, and Child Development and Adolescent Studies). The coding team identified 17 articles on help-seeking barriers for racial-ethnic minority CCA. A thematic analysis was used to narratively synthesize the help-seeking barriers identified across these 17 studies. Four themes emerged from our findings: logistical barriers, provider competence, ASD literacy, and cultural stigma. We also provided clinical recommendations for healthcare providers working with families with racial-ethnic minority CCA.

Humans↗